Buffer Question

[cjstringer]

I am wondering if you guys would know of a good, inexpensive buffer that will make my cleaning and waxing quicker and easier. I found one that's inexpensive, but I'm afraid it spins too fast and will burn the paint.
Any recommendations for buffer speed (rpms) or other specs?

 

[MP5Alive]

you want the Porter-Cable 7424 random-orbit polisher.
http://www.porter-cable.com/index.asp?e=547&p=2805

Random orbit polishers don't spin, they "wiggle". Rotary tools such as the Makita 9227C take more skill to operate and can burn your paint if not used correctly.

Check out Autopia.Org for more info.

EDIT: oops. did you say inexpensive? check them out anyway and see if you can expand your budget. you basically get what you pay for. i have the PC and couldn't be happier.

 

[cjstringer]

This is the one I was thinking of getting, and it is a random orbital. I'm guessing the 2400 RPMs isn't too fast seeing the other was had a MIN of 2500 then up from there. Just wanted to make sure it wasn't too far off. I figure if it really sucks, I can take it back. Sears is good about that.

 

[mazdadan]

I have a Sears Craftsman Orbital Buffer that works great. It's not quite as high of quality as the Porter Cable, but will get the job done almost just as well. It wasn't much more than $50. You can probably check it out online at www.craftsman.com

 

[cjstringer]

I checked sunday and the local store is having a 10% off sale, so it'll be just over $40 with tax. I'll probably get it tonight.
Thanks mazdadan and MP5Alive!

 

[mazdadan]

This is the one I was thinking of getting, and it is a random orbital. I'm guessing the 2400 RPMs isn't too fast seeing the other was had a MIN of 2500 then up from there. Just wanted to make sure it wasn't too far off. I figure if it really sucks, I can take it back. Sears is good about that.

That is the same exact one I have....it works just fine.

 

[chuyler1]

I have never seen a car that was waxed with a buffer that didn't have swirl marks.

Its a good workout to do it by hand. And it keeps you from doing it too often (another problem when you have a buffer).

Wax-on, wax-off.

 

[kingvitamin]

I've been using the same ORBITAL buffer for over a year now, and it is the best invest I've ever purchased as far as car care goes. It was 15 bucks at walmart. I got a 6" buffer, thats small enough to get everwhere on my MP3, except under the spoiler. I have no swirl marks, and actually if you use the right kind of wax, it will help remove small scratches with a little pressure (notice I said small). Use micro fiber to remove the wax. Most of the small scrathes and swirl marks you will get will be from using a terry cloth towel with dirt in it, so use a couple micro fiber towels while taking off your wax, and all will be well.

 

[EBP]

you want the Porter-Cable 7424 random-orbit polisher.
http://www.porter-cable.com/index.asp?e=547&p=2805

Random orbit polishers don't spin, they "wiggle". Rotary tools such as the Makita 9227C take more skill to operate and can burn your paint if not used correctly.

Check out Autopia.Org for more info.

EDIT: oops. did you say inexpensive? check them out anyway and see if you can expand your budget. you basically get what you pay for. i have the PC and couldn't be happier.

Couldn't agree more you will never have to buy another polisher,very good investment.

 

[AGR]

Ha!!!!!! Sure sounds good; but buffers scare the hell out of me!! I am afraid I would mess up the paint. I have heard these newer kinds (that vibrate - or whatever it is they do) are harmless; but I guess, I just trust my hand better.

 

[derrick1623]

when i was at the motortrend show, i used littleredwagon5's buffer, and it worked wonders, i have NO CLUE what kind or "rpm" it was, but it was hella quick y0!

 

[EBP]

Ha!!!!!! Sure sounds good; but buffers scare the hell out of me!! I am afraid I would mess up the paint. I have heard these newer kinds (that vibrate - or whatever it is they do) are harmless; but I guess, I just trust my hand better.

What is important to remember here is that there is a big difference between a rotary buffer and a random orbital polisher. A rotary in the hands of a rookie = new paint job. ROP such as the PC 7424 actually "jiggle" this keeps it from burning your paint. Just check out meguiars website, their machine is the 7424 but you have to pay $100 to get their name on it!

Hey greg have you ever seen any burn marks on my car?

 

[APEXistud]

By hand or machine? Hmmmm, someone could easily mistaken this topic for something else. Okay, bad joke.

 

[AGR]

By hand or machine? Hmmmm, someone could easily mistaken this topic for something else. Okay, bad joke.

No,,no! That was funny. Have a seat. (chair)

 

[cjstringer]

Well, I bought the craftsman one, just waiting for a friday that's above 45 and not raining or threatening thunderstorms. Yesterday sucked, and it's all of 45deg outside today.